Security Hospital in line for fraction of funding request

Minnesota Sex Offender Program
The Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter, Minn., has had its license placed on conditional probation for two years after two incidents of patients being mistreated.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

The latest draft of the public works bonding bill released Thursday includes almost $4 million for the Minnesota Security Hospital -- $36 million less than what Gov. Mark Dayton had proposed spending earlier this year.

The money would go toward a renovation project to address safety concerns at the St. Peter facility, which provides treatment for people deemed mentally ill and dangerous.

The lesser amount approved by Republican legislative leaders would be used to cover the costs of design and planning, but would not fund the actual construction.

DFL Rep. Terry Morrow of St. Peter says the funding will at least allow the facility to get started on the project.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

"Well for four months I've been hearing from the House GOP that they weren't going to allocate a dollar toward this pressing need. So to know that the design elements are now taken of, I won't say I'm completely satisfied, but I appreciate that at least the project can continue to move forward."

The House is scheduled to vote on the bonding bill on Monday.

Hospital at Risk:
Danger and Dysfunction at the Minnesota Security Hospital
State facility for the mentally ill risks losing license over turmoil
―Published: Feb. 28, 2012
Data: Violence, restraints common at Minnesota Security Hospital
―Published: Feb. 28, 2012
David Proffitt, head of Minnesota Security Hospital, resigns at state's request
―Published: March 27, 2012
Former Minn. Security Hospital leader's 'extremely assertive' style rankled some
―Published: March 28, 2012
State failed to review troubled past of ousted Minn. Security Hospital administrator
―Published: March 30, 2012
Auditor to look at agency's hiring practices in wake of Proffitt dismissal
―Published: April 2, 2012
Former Security Hospital head still getting paid
―Published: April 12, 2012
After complaints, MN Security Hospital inspected
―Published: April 13, 2012
Plan gives DHS more oversight in state mental health services
―Published: April 20, 2012
Funding for St. Peter hospital renovations in doubt
―Published: April 27, 2012
Security hospital worker 'emotionally abused' patient
―Published: May 1, 2012
Security Hospital in line for fraction of funding request
―Published: May 4, 2012
State investigating Security Hospital's handling of missing patient, stabbing
―Published: May 9, 2012
Investigation shows complexity of caring for the state's most violent and mentally ill adults
―Published: June 8, 2012
DHS confirms resignation of executive
―Published: Aug. 23, 2012
More injured employees, fewer doctors at Minnesota Security Hospital
―Published: Aug. 29, 2012
Minn. moves mentally ill patients to avoid legal action
―Published: Dec. 14, 2012